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Reuniting with someone from the past can send the most self-assured person into a frenzied mess. Somehow it instills a level of anticipation, curiosity, and sometimes fear. What will they look like? What are they doing now with their life? Will there be that weird silence? Does this skirt make me look fat? A hodgepodge of questions and concerns racked my brain as I received a text message confirming a small reunion.

This month I managed to haul my family down to Miami to see my parents and grandmothers just in time for the dreadfully hot, sticky summer. In the midst of the mosquitoes and family madness, I managed to break free for an evening to reunite with my college friends. Seconds after booking my ticket 3 weeks prior, I knew I had to do something with the way I looked. The last time I saw these girls I was single, 2 sizes smaller, always in heels, punctual, and wearing a great south beach tan. Fast-forward to July 2007- none of the above, except maybe on occasion, punctual.

So there I was. Standing in the bathroom of my parent’s house 5 years later, pacing in anticipation of seeing my old friends again as a mom for the first time. I latched on to all means possible in recreating my then 24- year old image. Exfoliating every inch of my skin. Meticulously combing my lashes with mascara, hoping it would somehow lengthen my youth. Caking pressed powder on my face in a futile effort to cover up the many traces of my motherhood.

As I sit down into my uncomfortable wooden chair at the noisy restaurant, I realize that about a dozen empty seats surround me- at least I’m still “punctual.” Soon the seats around me fill with familiar faces, and I realize that they’re mostly moms too. The moment I gave each a hug, I immediately remembered the care-free, single life we all once shared for a period in our lives; A time that I hold very dearly; times that have molded me into who I am today; memories that I often visit. Soon enough, the 5 years I’ve spent away quickly faded, and it didn’t matter that my mascara had smeared. A good friend whispered in my ear and chuckled “we’re all so grown up now, aren’t we?” It’s crazy, but true. These gals, who I spent endless hours with studying at Starbucks, celebrating finals at a local bar, were now- mothers. Those reckless times seem so intangible now. As we fondly looked through old photos from us all hanging out, my friend described those times for us best, “it was….
T-h-e-r-a-p-y”- Indeed it was.